Daily Olympiad: Verbal Ability - Critical Reasoning [20260602]

Challenge yourself with today's CAT practice! This test covers 'Critical Reasoning' for Verbal Ability (CAT - Graduate). Level: Hard | Duration: 45 mins.

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1. A study concludes that a new drug significantly reduces the risk of a rare disease by 40%. Critics argue that the study's results are flawed because the trial group was healthier than the general population at baseline. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the critics' argument?

Solution
Correct: A
The critics' objection hinges on the trial group's health status biasing results. Controlling for preexisting conditions directly addresses the health baseline issue, making the comparison between groups valid and weakening the critics' claim. Other options do not address the fundamental confounding variable of baseline health disparities.

2. A policy analyst argues that government subsidies for renewable energy will eventually reduce fossil fuel consumption. Which assumption does this argument most critically depend on?

Solution
Correct: B
The core assumption is that subsidies will create a behavioral shift. If the subsidies cannot motivate adoption, the policy will fail. Options C and D present hypothetical scenarios but are not foundational to the argument, while Option A incorrectly assumes stagnation without policy intervention. Option B directly ties the argument's conclusion to its premise.

3. A university claims that its leadership training program is responsible for a 30% increase in graduates' management placements. Which logical flaw is most evident in this argument?

Solution
Correct: A
The flaw is a classic post hoc (correlation-causation) error. The program could be coincidental with external factors (market trends, economic shifts) affecting placement rates. Circular reasoning requires a self-referential premise, which is absent here. The other options don't apply to the argument structure.

4. A city council approved a policy requiring large corporations to provide 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. Critics argue this will reduce productivity and increase costs. Which fact, if true, would best strengthen the critics’ position?

Solution
Correct: B
A 15% drop in tax revenue (Option B) indicates economic impact, directly supporting critics' claim about negative consequences. Options A and C weaken the critics' stance. Option D is vague and does not conclusively address productivity or cost concerns.

5. Researchers argue that a nation's economic growth is directly proportional to its investment in education. Which of the following, if true, most severely undermines this claim?

Solution
Correct: B
A country maintaining economic growth while reducing education spending (Option B) directly contradicts the 'direct proportionality' premise. Option A is a single case that might be an outlier; Option C supports the argument; Option D introduces a competing factor but does not disprove the core claim.

6. A political party credits its recent win to a viral online ad campaign. Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines this claim?

Solution
Correct: B
Independent scandals (Option B) provide an alternative explanation for the win, undermining the direct attribution to the online ad. Other options either present partial information (Option A) or introduce competing efforts (Option D) but do not fully negate the campaign's role.

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